The bill amends section 715.72 of the Revised Code to facilitate the establishment of joint economic development districts (JEDDs) by two or more municipalities without requiring the involvement of a township. It clarifies that a "contracting party" can now include a single municipal corporation or township, and allows for the creation of JEDDs by these entities and counties under specific conditions. Notably, the bill removes the requirement for contracting parties to be contiguous, as long as at least one party is a municipal corporation and at least one is either a township or a municipal corporation with certain characteristics. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the criteria for areas included in the JEDD, contributions from each contracting party, and public hearing procedures prior to contract adoption.

The bill also establishes a governance structure for JEDDs, detailing the composition and terms of service for the board of directors, which must include representation from the involved municipal corporations, townships, and counties. It mandates that all relevant documents related to the JEDD's creation and amendments be filed with the director of development to enhance transparency. Furthermore, the bill prohibits annexation, merger, or consolidation of unincorporated territory within a JEDD during the contract's effective period without township board consent, while allowing contracting parties to enter agreements on zoning and land use regulations. The bill repeals the existing section 715.72 of the Revised Code, indicating a comprehensive update to the legal framework governing JEDDs.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 715.72